A Chitenje is a piece of moderately heavy cotton fabric about 1.5 meters wide and 2 meters long. It is brightly colored and patterned and most commonly made by a wax stamp process not unlike batik. Our language instructor tells me that no good Malawian woman would be caught with out a chitenje, and a head scarf with her. I don't see woman wear head scarves often here but it is appropriate for a funeral and funerals are very important here. She also says a good Malawian woman knows how to pick a fresh chicken at the market, butcher, clean and prepare it for her family. I no doubt will never be a "Good Malawian Woman"
Uses of a Chitenje
1. Apron: Women who work away from the home may use it as a cover or apron when they come home in the evening. They will wrap it around their dress, up under their arms to protect their good clothing while cooking
2. Maternity Dress: Easily increases with size as you get bigger. Even the poorest man will try to buy this as his first gift to his intended bride. He has bought her a whole wardrobe right down to maternity wear with one piece of cloth.
3. Baby Carrier: Easy to put on once you know how and is very secure. There are 2 was most widely used here. 1)both ends pulled around to the front, under the arms and tucked in well at the top of the breast and under the breast. 2)Pulled diagonally across the baby and over one shoulder and under the other arm for a sling effect.
4. Bed sheet and or cover
5 Head ring:Fold into one narrow length and wind it loosely into a ring to fit the top of your head. Tuck in the ends and it will bear the load that is carried on the head, adjusting to the shape of the object.
6. Morning gown or robe for men or women. A man will tie it across one shoulder and let it hang like a toga. Women tie it around under there arms or at the waist. It is worn to the bath
7. Picnic mat: Spread anywhere for a table cloth
8. Towel: Can even be used while you are wearing it. To whipe your hands or face if you are perspiring or have washed your face, just pick up a corner.
9. Coin Purse: tie coins or other small items in the corner you tuck in at your waist.
10 Proper attire for riding bike or motor bike. Wearing the chitenje as a cover up you push it with your skirt tucked up between your legs front to back.
11. First aid kit: Usa as a bandage, stetcher or sling.
12. Suitcase: All kinds of personal belongings or other objects can be laced on the cloth and tied up inside to be carried on safely and conveniently but hand or most likely on the head.
In my life I only use my chitenje as a cover over my nightgown is someone shows up at the door but it is handy.
this is a display of fairly typical pieces of chitenje fabric. At the market their are booths filled with chitenje fabric for sale.
Uses of a Chitenje
1. Apron: Women who work away from the home may use it as a cover or apron when they come home in the evening. They will wrap it around their dress, up under their arms to protect their good clothing while cooking
2. Maternity Dress: Easily increases with size as you get bigger. Even the poorest man will try to buy this as his first gift to his intended bride. He has bought her a whole wardrobe right down to maternity wear with one piece of cloth.
3. Baby Carrier: Easy to put on once you know how and is very secure. There are 2 was most widely used here. 1)both ends pulled around to the front, under the arms and tucked in well at the top of the breast and under the breast. 2)Pulled diagonally across the baby and over one shoulder and under the other arm for a sling effect.
4. Bed sheet and or cover
5 Head ring:Fold into one narrow length and wind it loosely into a ring to fit the top of your head. Tuck in the ends and it will bear the load that is carried on the head, adjusting to the shape of the object.
6. Morning gown or robe for men or women. A man will tie it across one shoulder and let it hang like a toga. Women tie it around under there arms or at the waist. It is worn to the bath
7. Picnic mat: Spread anywhere for a table cloth
8. Towel: Can even be used while you are wearing it. To whipe your hands or face if you are perspiring or have washed your face, just pick up a corner.
9. Coin Purse: tie coins or other small items in the corner you tuck in at your waist.
10 Proper attire for riding bike or motor bike. Wearing the chitenje as a cover up you push it with your skirt tucked up between your legs front to back.
11. First aid kit: Usa as a bandage, stetcher or sling.
12. Suitcase: All kinds of personal belongings or other objects can be laced on the cloth and tied up inside to be carried on safely and conveniently but hand or most likely on the head.
In my life I only use my chitenje as a cover over my nightgown is someone shows up at the door but it is handy.
this is a display of fairly typical pieces of chitenje fabric. At the market their are booths filled with chitenje fabric for sale. 
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